THE Coega Development Corporation (CDC) describes the 162,6 hectare Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) development as a case study for infrastructure development.
The TASEZ project is expected to have far-reaching economic impacts, specifically in creating new momentum for the development of the Gauteng-Eastern Cape freight rail corridor. TASEZ offers direct and ready linkages to regional and international markets, with easy access to Southern African Development Community export markets.
The development started in August 2020 at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Current expenditure on the project is at 82% of the revised R4,3 billion budget. In 2021, approximately 91 hectares were developed. Since construction started, 4 848 direct jobs and 1 225 indirect jobs have been created. Eleven factories have been constructed, with nine factories operational and the balance at commissioning phase for other facilities and services.
As of September 2022, 236 SMMEs benefitted from R971 million in opportunities. There were 85 internships in the built environment and associated disciplines, 307 SMME accredited trainees and 1 019 human capital technical trainees.
The CDC says that the multi-billion-rand project is widely regarded as a turning point in how SEZs must be owned and operated – owing to its proven record of effective public-private partnerships, contribution to the local economy, and speed, innovation, and quality in infrastructure project management. Delivering this fast-tracked project triggered the best of Coega’s integrated capability, wherein much of the design process was coordinated virtually due to Covid-19 level 5 restrictions.
As the implementing agent of choice for TASEZ, Coega has proven the value of its 23 years’ experience managing complex and mega-infrastructure projects. The only Ford-owned frame line in the world is located in the TASEZ. The Ford frame main facility takes up 102 344 sqm and recently won a Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) AON excellence award, while CDC project manager, the late Tim Ter Haar, was honoured with a lifetime industry achievement award.
From its origins as a developer and operator of the Coega Special Economic Zone, Coega has evolved and diversified its capabilities and offerings, in response to national and continental infrastructure, project management and socio-economic needs.
